Meet all of the 2025 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals
Meagan Garrett
Company: Daikin Applied Americas
Title: Senior Manager, Regulatory and Industry Affairs
Age: 34
Meagan Garrett didn’t set out to build a career in HVAC. Her early experience was rooted in environmental compliance, focused on anhydrous ammonia. But when she was asked to take on HVAC regulatory work, she quickly “fell in love with the industry — especially its impact on sustainability and how it affects everyone, every day.”
Today, as senior manager of Regulatory and Industry Affairs at Daikin Applied, Garrett has not only distinguished herself through subject matter expertise, but also by playing a key role at the intersection of policy, technology, and sustainability.
“My career is marked by a clear purpose: to shape the HVAC industry into a more sustainable, equitable, and innovative space,” Garrett said.
Garrett works closely with lawmakers, coalitions, and industry groups to ensure that HVAC systems are not only understood but also supported in legislation around energy efficiency, decarbonization, and building performance. Her advocacy has helped shape incentive programs and building codes that recognize the role of advanced HVAC technologies in achieving national sustainability goals.
Her leadership also extends to technical standards. Garrett currently chairs a national-level standard at the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), guiding cross-functional teams to the development of product certification standards that help shape market compliance.
Additionally, she serves as the Membership Promotion and Communications Chair for ASHRAE, where she’s revitalized engagement to bring more people into HVAC — especially those young professionals. Her commitment to shaping the industry’s future isn’t through just technical excellence and policy reform, but by also fostering the next generation.
“I am a champion for inclusion, equity, and mentorship — actively supporting the advancement of women through one-on-one mentorship, visibility campaigns, and organizational initiatives,” Garrett said.
Garrett is frequently invited to speak at various industry events and podcasts, where she offers insights into regulatory trends, policy impacts, and the evolving landscape of building technologies.
“Whether presenting to technical audiences, policy panels, or broader industry forums, I want to connect regulatory language with real-world implications — bridging the gap between the field and the frontlines of legislation,” Garrett said.
Garrett’s work has earned her national recognition, including third place in the Women in ASHRAE EmpowHERment Award, a TEDx-style competition designed to highlight women’s voices and ideas in the HVAC space.
“I aim to lead projects that push for lower-GWP refrigerants, higher efficiency standards, and integration of renewable energy technologies into mechanical systems,” Garrett said. “Long-term, I want to contribute to policy development, mentor the next generation of professionals, and help the industry transition toward net-zero carbon goals.”